Savory Southern-Style Greens

Be sure to save the cooking broth...it's a flavorful substitute for water when cooking rice.

Ingredients

2 smoked ham hocks

6 cups water, divided

3 cubes ham bouillon

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar brine from a jar of sliced jalapeno peppers

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 bunch collard greens, trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch strips

Optional: cooked rice

How to Make It

Step 1

Combine ham hocks and 6 cups water in a stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 to 30 minutes. Stir in ham bouillon cubes, sugar, brine and pepper.

Step 2

Transfer ham hocks and greens to a 5-quart slow cooker; pour cooking liquid over top. Cover and cook on low setting 8 hours or until greens are tender but not mushy, adding more water as necessary to keep crock at least half full of liquid.